The Unlocking Housing at Metro Property Tax Exemption Amendment Act of 2025 aims to promote mixed-use residential development at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrorail stations in the District of Columbia. The bill proposes a 20-year property tax exemption for qualifying developments that enter into a Joint Development Agreement with WMATA, provided that at least 50% of the development consists of multifamily residential buildings and 75% of the project involves new construction or substantial rehabilitation. This exemption is intended to alleviate financial barriers that currently hinder the development of transit-oriented projects at these underutilized sites, which do not generate tax revenue under existing conditions.

The legislation amends section 47-1002 of the District of Columbia Official Code to include a new paragraph that outlines the criteria for the property tax exemption. It specifies that the exemption will apply only to developments constructed after January 1, 2026, and will be in addition to any other tax relief available. The bill reflects a broader strategy to enhance urban density and sustainability by integrating housing with public transportation, thereby fostering vibrant communities and increasing public transit usage.